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Species

Rank

Fish Status

Homer Lake has a large population of bluegill, but the average size is small. Anglers have a great opportunity to catch a bluegill, but may struggle to catch bluegill larger than 8 inches. Approximately 33% of the bluegill collected in the most recent fish survey were over 6 inches, but none were longer than 8 inches.

The State Hatchery System stocks 8-inch channel catfish into Homer Lake each year. This stocking program has produced an excellent catfish fishery. Catch rates of catfish fluctuate from survey to survey, but catch rates of anglers are consistently good. Based on data from fish surveys, the catfish are very plump. The catfish average in size from 11 inches to 24 inches.

During the most recent fish survey, 188 bass per hour were collected using DC electrofishing. The eight-survey average is 75.6 bass per hour. Approximately 28% of the bass collected were over the 14-inch length limit. The largest bass collected weighed 5.1 pounds. Based on bass collected that were larger than 8 inches, 76% were larger than 12 inches, and 29% were larger than 15 inches.

Homer Lake has a large number of white crappie and provides anglers with an opportunity to take home a good number of crappie. During the most recent fish survey, 64 white crappie were collected per hour of electrofishing. The management objective is 25 to 50 white crappie per hour. The 6-survey average is 79.6 white crappie per hour. All of the white crappie collected were longer than 8 inches and 19% were longer than 10 inches.

Location: Homer Lake is part of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District (CCFPD) and is located 2 miles Northwest of Homer and 15 miles Southeast of Champaign.

Description: Homer Lake is 80.8 acres and was built in 1969. The lake has a maximum depth of 24 feet and an average depth of 8.4 feet. There are two boat ramps. More information about the Homer Lake Forest Preserve can be found at the CCFPD web page .

History and Status of the Sport Fishery: The IDNR Division of Fisheries has been active in the management of the fisheries in Homer Lake since the lake was constructed in 1969. The lake receives stockings of largemouth bass and channel catfish.